Did the rain get here at the right time or what! I was becoming very concerned. The lawn was burned, the weeds stopped growing, there was nothing to trim and my lady was running out of things to do. I like to keep the gal busy as it helps keep her out of trouble. Idle hands soon find there was to the mall and we all know what that means. She was pulling weeds the morning after the first rain and was complaining the moisture had not gotten very far into the soil. This is a fairly good indicator the rain came hard and fast and most of it just ran off. We who live on the ridge suffer from this a bit more than the “flatlanders” but all in all we would have benefited a lot more had the same rain come slower over a longer period of time.  Unfortunately all the crops in Warren County didn’t get a good drink. Often times these rain events come up the Delaware River and then wander up the Pohatcong Creek or Pequest River where they drop their moisture and move on east leaving the rest of the county “high and dry” so to speak.

Next week I will be on special assignment and probably won’t have an article. I am going on a no expenses paid trip up through the New England states. The purpose of this assignment is to determine if the oil problems in the Gulf are having any impact on the quality of the fisheries of that area. It will be important for me to consume as much of the local delicacies as I can and determine if I experience any ill effects. No one wanted this assignment and while I know it could be hazardous to my health, I will attempt to do the best job that I can.  I am advised the shrimp harvest in Maine is one of the best they’ve had in decades. While lobster is harvested year round, the best season is between late June and early December, so I guess I will have to force myself to endure testing this local product a number of times during my exhausting research. Fried clams and steamers are widely available, but I probably won’t find raw clams or stuffed clams in any Maine restaurant. Anyone know why?  They tell me if you like oysters, you will just be nuts about the oysters from Maine. It takes about 3 to 4 years for a Maine oyster to mature since the water is so much colder than areas south and it is said this helps to develop their distinct flavor. I suppose I may just have to test them, of course, still concerning myself with the effect of the Gulf oil spill on New England oysters. I will issue a report of my findings and the general status of agriculture in New England upon my return.

Agriculture lost a couple of its finest practitioners and I know that Bob Kingsbury of Washington and Tom Planer of Hope will be missed by all who knew them. Both were excellent stewards of the land and have passed on to the next generation farmlands that are probably in better condition than when they received them. Tom Planer was often overheard saying that “no color was prettier than that of fresh plowed ground” and even during this era of no till and minimum till, I think Tom really had it right.As you read this, the beginning of the Warren County Fair will be only 9 day off.  If you are an avid gardener, or love to bake, or even just grow sunflowers, there is a contest just for you. Much of the fun at the Fair is being a participant and all are encouraged to get involved.

Additionally be advised that August 1^st is the last day to file your application for farmland assessment. I would like to suggest you read everything the assessor has sent and be sure to sign the forms and return them with all the supporting information they request.  The reverse side of the FA-1 has instructions and includes some meaningful information about land use classes.